11-19-20 THOUGHTS

The circumstances of life are once again clouding my mind.  We are returning to “live-streaming”worship services this Sunday morning.  In my mind, we are going backwards one more time.  I must run to THE ROCK THAT IS HIGHER THAN I!  I need uplifting. I’m guessing you feel the same.  
Ps 61:2   From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
The word “trouble” is used in Psalms about 30 times.  
Ps 9:9 The LORD also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, A stronghold in times of trouble;
Ps 20:1   May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob set you [securely] on high!
Ps 31:7   I will rejoice and be glad in Your lovingkindness, Because You have seen my affliction; You have known the troubles of my soul,
Ps 32:7   You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance.
Ps 143:11 For the sake of Your name, O LORD, revive me. In Your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble.

Sometimes I get ME ORIENTED.  I think the world is all about ME.     Think on this:
 It’s “FOR THE SAKE OF GOD’S NAME” and “because of HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS” that anything happens.  (Ps 143:11 above)

Col 2:2  that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself,
Heb 6:11  And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end,
Heb 10:23-25    Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; 24  and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25  not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
In this last passage, we see the power of our being together.  I believe when we cannot come together physically, we need the sense of the rest of the passage even more.  
Get out your Church directory, look at names...  THINK, CALL, PRAY, TEXT, EMAIL.  THIS IS US!  OUR CONNECTION IS NEEDED TODAY MORE THAN EVER!

My Prayer:
Strengthen us when we are distressed Oh Lord.  You are our rock, and we come to you for strength and uplifting.  We beg for relief from this time of trouble.  Brighten our souls with your presence Oh God.  Help us to live in the light of your love.  May we see Jesus.
In his blessed name we pray           Amen